Talkatone serves as a middle man, making it seem like you've making calls from Gmail on your computer, when really, you're making calls using the data connection on your phone.

It's all legal, and it's the best new way to make calls when you have wifi but no cell service, or if you're the kind of person that wants to make free phone calls. Google Voice also allows you to make calls, but uses your precious cell minutes.

We'll show you how it works, but first pick up the free app from the App Store.

Before you can start using Talkatone, you have to head over to your Google Voice settings and click the check box to forward calls to Google Chat. If you check the box for "mobile" as well, you'll receive calls on your phone whether or not you're signed in on your computer, and they will come in looking like a call (vs. a push notification). It's up to you.

First, download the app from the App Store. Tap the icon to open.

Enter in your Google user name and password to log in through Talkatone.

Here is your contacts list. You can call anyone from this list, or chat with anybody whose names displays an "online in Gchat" badge.

Tap the "Online" tab to only view your Google Talk buddies.

Tap a person's name to view their contact information. The green box indicates that the contact is available to call or chat using Google Talk. Or, you can tap their number to call their phone. Tapping "text message" will message their Google Chat account. No SMS texting is currently available.

If you tap an online friend's @gmail.com address, you can either call them or chat with them. Calling only works if the person on the other end has the free "call from Gmail" plugin enabled.

When you make a call, Talkatone shows whether you're using Wi-Fi or 3G.

Talkatone utilizes push notifications to alert you of incoming calls. One note: if you're signed into Gmail or Gchat on your computer, Talkatone will not also notify your phone (unless you have forwarding checked for Google Talk and your mobile phone).